Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A fluidic interconnection system for polymer-based microfluidic devices

  • Technical Paper
  • Published:
Microsystem Technologies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A microfabricated fluidic interconnection system for polymer-based microfluidic nebulizer chips is presented and discussed. The new interconnection mechanism can be used to make fluidic connection between external capillary and the polymer microfluidic chip. The connector mechanism was fabricated using a combination of mechanical milling and laser micromachining. Preliminary leakage tests were performed to demonstrate that the interconnection system is leak-free and pressure tests were performed to evaluate the burst pressure (maximum working pressure). The interconnection system has several advantages over commercially available Nanoport™ interconnection system. The new fluidic interconnection system implemented onto a microfluidic nebulizer chip was successfully tested for desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry applications. The performance of the chip using the new connector mechanism was excellent demonstrating the usability of the new connector mechanism.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Gonzalez C, Collins SD, Smith RL (1998) Fluidic interconnects for modular assembly of chemical microsystems. Sens Actuat B Chem 49:40–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gray BL, Jaeggi D, Mourlas NJ, van Drieenhuizen BP, Williams KR, Maluf NI, Kovacs GTA (1999) Novel interconnection technologies for integrated microfluidic systems. Sens Actuat 77:57–65

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gray BL, Collins SD, Smith RL (2004) Interlocking mechanical and fluidic interconnections for microfluidic circuit boards. Sens Actuat A 112:18–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kovacs GTA (1999) Micromachined fluidic coupler. US Patent no. 5,890,745

  • Lee ES, Howard D, Liang E, Collins SD, Smith RL (2004) Removable tubing interconnects for glass-based micro-fluidic systems made using ECDM. J Micromech Microeng 14:535–541

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meng E, Wu S, Tai YC (2001) Silicon couples for microfluidic applications. Fresenius J Anal Chem 371:270–275

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pan T (2006) A reworkable adhesive-free interconnection technology for microfluidic systems. J Microelectromech Syst 15(1):267–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pattekar AV, Kothare MV (2003) Novel microfluidic interconnectors for high temperature and pressure applications. J Micromech Microeng 13:337–345

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peles Y, Srikar VT, Harrison TS, Protz C, Mracek A, Spearing SM (2004) Fluidic packaging of microengine and microrocket devices for high-pressure and high-temperature operation. J Microelectromech Syst 13:31–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Puntambekar A, Ahn CH (2002) Self-aligning microfluidic interconnects for glass- and plastic-based microfluidic systems. J Micromech Microeng 12:35–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reay RJ, Dadoo R, Storment CW, Zare RN, Kovacs GTA (1994) Microfabricated electrochemical detector for capillary electrophoresis. Proceedings of the solid-state sensor and actuator workshop 1994:61–64, Hilton Head, June 13–16

  • Saarela V, Franssila S, Tuomikoski S, Marttila S, Ostmanb P, Sikanen T, Kotiaho T, Kostiainen R (2006) Re-usable multi-inlet PDMS fluidic connector. Sens Actuat B 114:552–557

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sen AK, Darabi J, Knapp DR (2009) Design, fabrication and test of a microfluidic nebulizer chip for desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Sens Actuat B Chem 137(2):789–796

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spiering VL, van der Moolen JN, Burger GJ, van den Berg A (1997) Novel microstructures and technologies applied in chemical analysis techniques, 9th international conference. Solid State Sens Actuat Transducers 1:511–514 Chicago, June 16–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsai JH, Lin L (2001) Micro-to-macro fluidic interconnectors with an integrated polymer sealant. J Micromech Microeng 11:577–581

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yao T, Lee S, Fang W, Tai Y (2000) Micromachined rubber O-ring micro-fluidic couplers. In: Proceedings of the IEEE 13th MEMS conference, pp 624–627

Download references

Acknowledgments

Supported in part by the NHLBI Proteomics Initiative via contract N01-HV28181.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, Waterfront Campus European Way, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3ZH, UK

    Ashis K. Sen

  2. MEMS and Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Carolina, 300 Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    J. Darabi

  3. Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA

    D. R. Knapp

Authors
  1. Ashis K. Sen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. Darabi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. D. R. Knapp
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ashis K. Sen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Sen, A.K., Darabi, J. & Knapp, D.R. A fluidic interconnection system for polymer-based microfluidic devices. Microsyst Technol 16, 617–623 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-009-0968-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-009-0968-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation